Village of Nobleford ECCG? ECCK tÇw ECDC `âÇ|v|ÑtÄ XåvxÄÄxÇvx TãtÜw exv|Ñ|xÇà Box 67, Nobleford, Ab. T0L 1S0. Municipal Office, 906 Highway Avenue Phone (403) 824-3555. Fax 824-3553. E-mail: [email protected] www.village.nobleford.ab.ca Office is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 - 12:00 am, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Mayor Marguerite Wobick. Councillors: Wanda Luchia, Pete Pelley, Tony Aleman, Don McDowell Administration and Staff: Kirk Hofman, Karen Feenstra, Tammy Liriano, Ernest Langridge, Logan Howes,

Retiring Municipal Secretary Barbara Keay, 2012 Municipal Secretary Karen Feenstra

Thank you Barb for your 14 years of dedicated service to the Village of Nobleford , 1997-2011

Holiday Rental Suite

in Southern

Fully furnished, full size kitchen, dining and living area

2-bedrooms with queen beds plus a futon Includes all appliances: fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave, washer & dryer

Close to , and churches 2.99% 3, 4,or 5 year terms AOC Check out our website at Nobleestates.ca Phone: 1-403-824-3877 Email: [email protected]

Toboggan Hill Safety A friendly voice, knowledgeable advice, a move in the right direction! Motor Vehicle Drivers, please slow down and be Residential and Commercial Lending considerate of those enjoying the sledding on the Ellie Peters-Mortgage Associate AMP hill by the Nobleford entry sign on south high- way avenue and 519 intersection. 1-403-329-4663 ext 220 Office 1-403-308-9110 cell Those enjoying the hill “pay attention, play safe 1-403-381-4663 fax and have fun” 1-877-308-9110 toll free [email protected]

Sand & Gravel Washed sand & Gravel Specialized in: Filtering Golf course materials Sandblasting

Henry Bennink 403-824-3566 Box 420, Nobleford, Ab.

Monarch Reformed Church

We are again into a New Year and we will travel down the path that has been laid out for us. For some a new path, for others the same familiar path. Our lives are much like a tapestry, a thick woven cloth with a design, and for each of us that tapestry is woven from the common threads of daily lives. All too often some of those threads have imperfections and become loose and the picture becomes a frayed chaotic design. That frayed chaotic design can be rewoven if we work a tit and have faith and trust in God. God does not abandon any life and he can transform the most undesirable and tattered life into a piece of art with beauty.

Sunday 10:00 a.m.: Worship Service with Pastor Bob Derrick. Sunday School during the Worship Service Coffee hour following the service

Bible Study: Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM every week at the church.

Youth Group: Every second Sunday evening at 7:00 PM at the church. All youth, grades 7 to 12, are invited to become part of the Youth Group led by Gerald and Barb Harbers.

Gerald and Barb Harbers will be going, with several members of the Youth Group, on a mission trip to Mexico from February 17 to 25, 2012. We pray for the safety of the group as they travel to Mexico, work among the people there and return home. This will be a new experience for these young people and we look forward to hearing the different stories thy have to relate.

Thank you to all those who donated items for the Food Box. In December we were able to help out a local couple who were in need. The Food Box is an ongoing ministry and items can be placed in the container provided in the front entry of the church.

Sincere condolences are extended to Vicki and Chris DeJong with the passing away of Vicki’s brother Menno Drent on Wednesday December 14, 2011.

Remember, you do not have to wait for a Food Drive to give to the Food Banks. The local food banks and soup kitchens are always in need of donations of both food and funds to help them carry on their work. During the Christmas Season they receive many donations but there is never a large surplus and the supplies are soon depleted, but the number of people in need of help continues to grow. The need becomes even more prevalent during the cold winter months.

Mayors Message

Our winter is just about over, and we have had it shortened by the good weather. Snow plowing and removal has been at a minimum. Construction has continued in the industrial and residential areas.

The Business Luncheon at Noble Central School was a huge success with many business people in attendance. The grade 11 and 12 students did an excellent job of promoting their projects under the motivation and mentorship of our Principal Broc Higginson.

Council is working on the budget for 2012 and financially, the village is doing very well. The multi housing units will see the levy removed and taxation on assessment in place for 2012. Residents are welcome to attend regular council meetings. In order to keep newsletter printing costs low, the minutes of council meetings are available by email or hard copy by request.

Thank you to those who supported me in the Jail N Bail event to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. I was arrested for Keeping Taxes Too Low in Nobleford. Our rewards in life depend on the quality and amount of contribution we make.

Sincerely, Marguerite Wobick, Mayor of the Village of Nobleford.

ICE RINK

Dad, Mom, Children, Youth and Friends Would you like to have an ice rink in the new Spray/ Play Park for the winter? This Volunteer initiative can be a reality with your help. A few people have started to make ice and they need help to clean and flood the rink area.

If you think you would use, appreciate this ice rink or can volunteer, Contact the Village office for more info. You are encouraged to, take your shovel over to the rink and shovel snow, and have FUN.

A.D. IRRIGATION YOUR T-L DEALER FOR ALL YOUR IRRIGATION NEEDS

DUANE VANDENBERG VISIT US AT 824-3399 235-11 TH ST. AFTER HOURS NOBLEFORD, AB 634-4434

Nobleford Council meeting minutes

All, 3800+ pages of Council meeting minutes and all 600+ Village bylaws are available for you to view at the Municipal office during regular office hours.

Christian Reformed Church Submitted by Patricia Konynenbelt www.noblefordcrc.com

Sunday Services – 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Kevin Jordan Pre-school and Nursery Sunday School – meets during the a.m. service Sunday School and Catechism Classes – immediately following the a.m. service YPS and Young Adults – Sunday evenings for either Bible study or social Gems – every other Monday – 3:30 to 6:15 p.m. Cadets – every Monday 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

* “ Happy New Year”. How often have we repeated these words in the past few weeks? Everyone wants a happy 2012, right? God has once again blessed us with the gift of a new year. As we stand on the threshold of 2012 what awaits us.? May we be encouraged by our successes of the past. We will undoubtedly face many challenges in our lives as we make decisions for the future. However, let us seek God’s guidance and wisdom for each day. “ In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” – Prov. 16:9

* With the busyness of the festive season behind us, our households are once again adopting more routine patterns. Students have returned to various schools to continue their educational studies; teachers are prepared to teach the prescribed curriculum; while the bus drivers are on the alert with the responsibility of bringing the students to and from school each day in safety.

* Church programs have resumed. The CADETS had another successful bottle drive in early January. The young boys and their leaders wish to thank the community for their support with the proceeds going towards the activities of the Cadet program. Meanwhile the GEMS have also resumed their activities for another semester. Blessings on future plans and activities scheduled for these clubs.

Notice: The CADET and GEM Clubs are sponsoring another home-cooked spaghetti dinner on Thursday, February 2nd from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Noble Central School. Admittance is by donation. Hope to see you there!

* Coffee Break and Story Hour have also begun a new semester, meeting every Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. All women of the community and beyond are invited to a time of fellowship and Bible Study. Nursery is provided.

* Many thanks to all who give of their time and talents in leaderships roles within the church. However, “We are all God’s fellow workers” – I Cor. 3:9 We need each other as we serve the Lord, No matter if the jobs are large or small---- With all the workers equal to their tasks; Our faithfulness is all the Savior asks.

* Within the last six weeks two long time members of our congregation passed away. Sincerest condolences are extended to the family of Gert Postman who passed away on December 8 th , 2011, at the age of 91. Christian sympathies are also extended to Henry Postman and his extended family with the passing of Henry’s wife, Alice, on January 17 th , 2012, at the age of 81. “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” – Rev. 21:4

We extend a warm welcome to everyone to join us in worship each Sunday.

SHALOM!!!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Summer Fun Program, July and August

Program Coordinator : 30 hr per week for 7 to 8 weeks, $3000 contract Qualifications: Responsible, Creative, Accountable, valid Drivers License, training in First Aid preferred.

Assistant Program Coordinator: 20 hr per week for 7 weeks, @ $10.00 pr hour, training in First Aid preferred.

Casual Activities Assistant : $9.00 per hr, There are no guaranteed hours with this position and you will be called upon to work as needed. Last year, this employee worked 20 hours per week for 7 weeks.

Program Volunteers: All Ages are welcome to submit resumes to the Village CAO.

Public Works Laborers. July and August

The Village will hire 3 people to work under the supervision of the Public Works Foreman. Candidates must be Minimum 16 years of age and be available for full time employment during the months of July and August. Rate of pay is $11.00 to $12.00 per hour; 40 hr per week for 8 weeks, duties include parks, Spray Park, complex, soccer field, school ground, road maintenance and general labor.

Submit resumes to: Kirk Hofman, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Village of Nobleford. Often I Get Asked “What Mortgages Do You Do?” Or I Hear “I Didn’t Know You Could Do That Too!”

So Here Is Partial List Of Different Mortgage Products I Have Access To:

♦ Construction Mortgages (Includes both self- built & contractor homes with as little as 5% Down) ♦ Primary Purchases ♦ 2nd Home Purchase ♦ Home Refinancing ♦ Line of Credit Mortgages ♦ Renewal Mortgages ♦ Commercial Mortgages ♦ And More! Call Me Today! Energy Mortgage Erik Vande Merwe, AMP Mortgage Broker 1512 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge AB Cell: 403-795-5531 [email protected]

WHERE CLIENTS, BUILDERS & REALTORS MEET

Do you have a special interest? Library, Pets, Motocross

Do you have an idea? Is there something you would like to see in Nobleford ?

The Village offers you a number of opportunities to help you organize, secure funding and foster those special interests without burdening the tax payer. Talk to the Village CAO for information and help. Ask about policy #02- 20, 21, 22 and 23

The Village has a community directory listing nearly 20 Special interest organizations and societies in Nobleford whom would welcome your involvement.

All it takes is one person to start something, good or bad!

Nobleford Community Complex Society (NCCS)

Annual General Meeting to be held on Wednesday February 1st, 2012 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Complex

All welcome.

Pickleball? What on earth….

For the uninitiated, Pickleball is a game that is a mix of easy tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It can be played by anyone from 8 to 80, athletically inclined or not, indoors or outdoors and anytime of the year. This makes it a perfect game for everyone. And, we can now play it right here in Nobleford.

From 10-12 every Wednesday and Friday mornings and Monday evenings the complex will be open for players and beginners alike. All you need to do is show up with running shoes and comfy clothes and even if you only plan to watch, bring water, as we are yet to see anyone who can resist the urge to try their hand at hitting the ball. With further plans to have more evening and/or weekend time, this can turn into a great family/social event. If you want to get a little exercise and have fun doing it we would love to see you. The games are often played without keeping score just for the sheer fun of hitting a ball and getting together.

We would like to hear back from you about what times would work best in your busy schedules.

For further information please call either John or Heather Robidas at 403.795.3899

35% savings on ALL ARBONNE PRODUCTS • Save 20% +No GST Skin Care Anti Ageing Healthy Living Before Sun Cosmetics Baby Care +No Shipping= 35% Offer ends Men’s Skin Care Spa Clear Advantage February 29, 2012 Arbonne personal care products are formulated without: • Animal products or animal by-products • Parabens • Formaldehyde donating preservatives • Petroleum based ingredients • Benzene • Mineral Oil • Petrolatum • Phthalates • Toluene • PABA Arbonne Healthy Living products are formulated without: • Artificial colours • Artificial flavours • Artificial sweeteners • Animal products or animal by-products • Cholesterol • Saturated fats • Trans fats

Wanda Luchia, 403-892-3250 Arbonne Independent Consultant #115104388 [email protected] www.arbonne.ca

NOBLEFORD COMMUNITY COMPLEX RENTAL Ask about our Nobleford Residents, NO charge use of the Facility. All booking must be done through the Village office.

Check out the modern washrooms refinished gym floor, lighting and built in P.A. plug your phone/MP3 in. Basket ball hoops, Volley Ball, Badminton, and floor hockey equipment supplied. Renovated stainless steel kitchen, upstairs meeting room and the modern washrooms.

♦ Main gym (478 capacity, 300 chairs and dinnerware) $20.00 per hour or $200.00 per day, ♦ Upstairs Room (60 capacity) $20.00 per hour or $100.00 per day, ♦ Kitchen $50.00 is per booking. Facility is air conditioned

Watch for the anticipated up stairs Music equipment in 2012/13 (Guitar, drums, keyboard?)

Volunteer involvement provided by: NOBLEFORD COMMUNITY COMPLEX SOCIETY Partial funding for the interior/exterior upgrades from 2009 CFEP and 2010 RInC grants

SHIMEK SERVICE LTD .

Enjoy the convenience of fuel 24 hours a day with your choice of two easy account options:

1. UFA C ARDLOCK - CHARGE ACCOUNT

UFA boasts one of the most extensive Cardlock networks in Alberta and has also expanded into British Columbia and Saskatchewan. It's just one more example of UFA providing service you can trust. UFA Cardlock card gives you access to one of the largest independent networks of fuel dispensing in Alberta. We provide access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at over 90 convenient locations. You will need a UFA account in order to gain access to this fuel-dispensing network. Pick up a Credit Application and a Cardlock Fuel Requirements form at any of our UFA petroleum outlets, fill in the information as requested and you'll receive a UFA Cardlock card in the mail (o.a.c.). Purchases are charged to the account and due on a monthly basis.

2. FUEL LINK CARD - MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT

Enjoy the convenience of the UFA Cardlock network, however, purchases are put on your choice of credit card at the time of purchase rather than charged to a UFA credit account.

Credit applications are available for pickup at Jen’s Restaurant, Nobleford Food Market or Nieboer Farm Supplies (1977) Ltd. Please note that anyone can become a UFA member.

For more information please call Don Shimek: 1-877-732-4343 (Toll-free) or 732-4224 (Local) “Vision without action is a daydream. Action without 1325495 Alberta Ltd. vision is a nightmare" -- Japanese Proverb Operating as RCJC Enterprises John Van Liere, CA Rob Feenstra Shelly Shaw, CA Owner/Operator 528 - 6th Street South Superbee Hauling Lethbridge, AB Office (403) 388-2580 Box 441 Fax (403) 328-7048 Nobleford, Ab 2311 – 2nd Ave T0L 1S0 Fort Macleod, AB 403-824-3925 (h) www.vanliere.ca Office (403) 557-2580 403-894-5684 (c) [email protected] Book-keeping, Business Advisory, Chartered Accountant and Tax Services

Nobleford Community Activity Night has changed days!!!

Welcome to all! Nobleford Community Activity Night is now going to be every first and third Friday of the month. This starts February and ends June 1, 2012. The time is from 6:30-8:30. All Are welcome.

Children under the age of 5 must be accompanied by an adult.

The gym will be available for floor hockey, basketball, volleyball and other activities, the Stay and Play room is open for young families and the "Teen Room" will be different activates too!. Snack is provided.

All participants will be asked to help clean up at the end of the night. We are always hoping for community volunteers! Come get involved at a really fun event!!!

There is no charge for this program thanks to the Village of Nobleford and Barons-Eureka- Warner Family and Community Support Services!

Message from Newsletter Coordinator

Note to all Advertisers:

If you could please have your submissions in by the deadline.

Next deadline is March 20, 2012. Any submissions received after 25th March at 5:00pm will not be included in this edition of the newsletter.

You can drop them off at the village office, or by email [email protected]

Practical Pruning ~ Nobleford…………….. $ 60

Learn how to prune your trees the proper way at the proper time with the right tools. There will be a Friday evening session in the Community Centre, and one “hands-on” demonstration, Saturday morning, which could be at your property if you have the appropriate trees!

Instructor: Hans Kuperus, Coaldale Nurseries

Friday, April 13, 7:00 - 9:30 pm @ Nobleford Community Centre

Saturday, April 14, 9:00 - noon (Outdoors weather permitting)

Call County of Lethbridge Community Learning Council to register. Registration deadline: April 5

Please be a responsible pet owner

Please keep your pet on a leash when on public property. Keep your pet off private property of others and clean up after your pet. You will be fined minimum of $100 for non compliance. Please report, in confidence, violations to the Village.

It costs the Village an estimated $6000 annually to deal with Dog and Cat Bylaws and pet issues. These costs are partially covered from property tax and license fees. Responsible pet ownership can reduce these costs.

2012 Dog and Cat Licenses are due: $20 for spayed and neutered, $40 for unspayed and unneutered Unpaid accounts may be transferred to Property Tax account, turned over to collection agency or pursued in civil court.

Dog catcher phone 403 - 308-3811 Stay and Play

Stay and Play is a valuable program for parents and children (birth to 5 years of age) to attend together.

There is no charge and registration is not required. Come drop in and see what we’re all about! Come and meet families from your community! Songs, rhymes, stories, sand and water play, dress-up and housekeeping, blocks, science and creative art are all available in a safe and inviting learning environment.

Monday and Thursday Mornings 9:30 am - 11:30 am Location: Nobleford Community Complex Call Brenda Rathwell, 403-320-1931 for more information

Thank You! Submitted by Barb Keay

Thank you to the Village of Nobleford for the very lovely Seiko clock presented to me in recognition of my 14 years as Municipal Secretary and to those who came to say good bye. I always maintained that when I didn’t what to come to work on a Tuesday morning then it would be time to retire, but I never felt that way. So with much emotion I made the decision to retire, but also made the decision to become a Snow Bird.

I congratulate Karen Feenstra on her appointment as Municipal Secretary who is very deserving of this position.

To Kirk, Ernie, Logan, Karen and Tammy – hope to see you for coffee.

325 Highway Ave Picture Butte 732-5141 Annie Van Der Veen (Owner)

Unique children’s clothing & gifts Nobleford Parent Association (NPA)

Is a community-based group of volunteers that was created with one common goal in mind.

“To provide the students at Noble Central School with extra funds to assist in creating more opportunities for field trips to science centres, extra curricular activities and various camps, just to name a few”.

Noble Central School is a small school (one of a couple of K-12 left). We as a group have come to realize that more can be done to provide additional funding and support and to create more opportunities that the students themselves will benefit from.

The NPA is desperately searching for volunteers. REMEMBER—just a fraction of someone's’ time and/or support goes a long way in achieving our goal.

To find out how you can help, please contact:

Ingrid 824-3100 Sue S 824-3044 Brenda 381.9107

Remember: This is for our children. We need your ideas and/or support!

Gibbs Agencies (1997) LTD. Barons, Alberta 15 reasons to choose Gibbs agencies for all your Insurance needs…

1. Good prices. 2. Excellent customer service. 3. You are not a number here - we will know your name. 4. No push button answering services - all our calls are answered by a person 5. We do home visits. 6. We do after hour calls and visits. 7. We have an emergency after-hour/weekend phone number if you need it. 8. No place in Alberta is too far away for us to insure you: We have customers from Milk River to Ft. McMurray and from to the Crowsnest Pass. 9. We like a challenge. If you have a problem with your current insurance, give us a call and see if we can help you. 10. We have been in business for over 55 years, in the same location and still have some customers from the beginning. 11. We will return your calls quickly. 12. We will explain your insurance coverage to you. We will tell you what you are covered for and what you are NOT covered for. 13. We sell for more than one company so we can offer you a choice. 14. All the information is kept private and confidential. 15. We love to cater to our customers.

Why wouldn’t you want to choose Gibbs’s Agencies? Please check out our website at: www.gibbsagencies.com Phone: 757-3820 Toll free: 1888-974-4227 Fax: 757-2083 Another office now open in Lethbridge – Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:30pm #30, 24 Mt. Burke Blvd. W. Phone: 329-3004 Fax 329-3881

THE NOBLEFORD AREA MUSEUM SOCIETY Est. 1989 Submitted by Lee Moltzahn

Contact: P.O. Box 505 Nobleford, AB, T0L 1S0; (1)403-824-3909

View by Appointment (225 Milnes Street) : Please call Julie Pike (403-824-3224), Peggy Campbell (403-824-3560), or Clarence Sterenberg (403-824-3428) to book a time.

Check us out on FACEBOOK – “Nobleford Area Museum Society”

appy New Year everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the Christmas season with H DOUBLE WEDDING those dearest to you. “Fingers-crossed” that you still have all stayed true to your New Year’s resolutions haha! All weddings are very special; however, one that took place on July 31, 1928 was very A “Children’s Christmas Party” was be held at the Museum on December 3, unique indeed. In fact, there has never been 2011. Children and their another wedding like it in the district since. parents enjoyed an afternoon Twin siblings, Tenis Hofman and Geertje of old fashioned fun, including Hofman were united in marriage with their decorating a tree with respective spouses Winnie Zoeteman and ornaments they constructed Charles Lund in a double ceremony. The themselves. Many thanks go to all who supported this event wedding took place in the Monarch Reformed Church with Rev. Elings officiating. and the museum members who worked at and behind the scenes to ensure this project was the success it was.

Are looking for a club or society to join and become involved in? We’d love to hear from you ! The Museum is always open to new members. If you are interesting in joining, please call the Museum or attend a meeting; regular meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Museum (225 Milnes St.). Our AGM will be January 30, 2012 at 7:00 pm . We will be developing our tentative calendar of events for 2012 at this meeting, if you have any suggestions and/or input, please join us! L to R: Geertje Hofman-Lund, Charles Lund, Tenis Hofman, and Winnie Zoeteman-Hofman DID YOU KNOW??

♦ The first well in the district was a “sweet” water well dug by Hendrikus Veldhuis in 1907 on his homestead southwest of Nobleford. The OUR RANCHING PAST…. Veldhuis family had immigrated from Nijverdal, Holland to Monarch in A man known only by the name of “Mr. April, 1904. ♦ Burgoyne” is said to be the first settler to the Thornton Tweed from Nobleford was ’s youngest and perhaps Monarch/Kipp district. He was rancher who the British Empire’s youngest solo pilot when he took flight on came to the area in the early 1860s, before the September 25, 1935 at the age of 11, yes 11! Thornton lived in arrival of the whiskey traders. It is known that Nobleford from 1926-1929, when his father was employed as a his sons burned lime on the slough bottoms in mechanic at Percy and Roy Luchia’s garage. The family later moved to 1916. One son, Jimmy, worked for Mr. Urch, Lethbridge. who operated the “Halfway House” in the river ♦ The hamlet of Nobleford was officially incorporated as a village in valley. Jimmy was said to be a neat, good 1918. looking man and wonderful rider. He (Jimmy) ♦ Electricity was brought to Nobleford in 1929 by the Power died suddenly at the age of 36. Company. Running water, natural gas, and sewer services, followed in 1953, 1956, and 1960 respectively. THE URCH/LONG FAMILIES AND THE “HALFWAY” HOUSE

ur tale begins with a man by the name of William H. (Bill) Long who emigrated to the prairies from England. After traveling west to the O Porcupine Hills to deliver a horse to the well-known Waldron Ranch, Bill took up a job with the McLaren Lumber Company in Macleod (Fort Macleod) where he worked for a few years. Eventually Bill settled into the ranching lifestyle and obtained land in the Monarch/Kipp district.

The majority of travel at that time was by stage coach and the trail Between Coal Banks (Lethbridge) and Macleod cut across Bill’s grazing lease, so in 1883, to help subsidize his

ranching income, Bill operated a ferry. This ferry functioned to shift cargo and passengers from shore to shore during the Oldman River’s dangerous high water season from April to June. The ferry looked like a large “scow”; it was wide and had a flat bottom that could accommodate teams and wagons. It was driven across the river on a cable and carried by the current. Turning the nose of the ferry into the current would drive it back across the river. It is said that the ferry once carried eight teams of oxen, three wagons heavy laden with coal, and load of lumber from the Porcupine Hills. Clients were diverse and ranged from Indians to farmers/ranchers to NWMP to polo sport spectators. FEATURED STORY FEATURED

Bill was eventually joined in 1884 by his friend Richard T. (Dick) Urch who also emigrated from England. Dick traveled to Alberta from the USA via the Fort Benton trail. Together the men ranched and operated the ferry. In 1886 the pair floated some logs down the Oldman River from the Porcupine Hills and carefully chinked and plastered a two-story ranch house on a ford just above the Oldman River’s confluence with the Belly River (a few miles south of Monarch).

This house became known as the “Halfway” or “Stopover” House because of its equidistance between Coal Banks and Macleod. The house was run as restaurant, post office, tavern, and hostel for travelers too weary to continue their journey. Whiskey was inexpensive and was sold for $1.50 a bottle. A meal for a man or hay for a horse was $0.50, as was a night’s stay, bar drink, or passage for one on the ferry. Bill’s brother, Harold G. (Harry) Long joined the enterprise in 1889. In 1891, Dick returned to England to marry Miss Elizabeth Jane Long (Bill and Harry’s sister) and brought her back to the ranch.

The progress of the railway in the mid-1890s meant the gradual end of the stage coach and the Halfway House as well. Bill returned to England in 1894 and Harry moved to the Hazelmere district, south of Macleod and eventually onto British Columbia to prospect for gold. By 1900, the Urchs were the only ones left on the ranch. Sadly, Dick died in 1924, leaving his wife in charge of the ranch and 2000 head of cattle. Elizabeth lived on the ranch until her death at the age of 85 in 1944. Three children were born to the couple; Richard T. (Dick Jr.), Jane A., and Elizabeth A. in 1893, 1895, and 1898 respectively. Dick Jr. was the first white child born in the area between Coal Banks and Macleod. He married Olive Lambert of Macleod and together they continued to ranch and raise their two daughters. Dick Jr. died in 1948, after which the ranch was sold to Karel Roelofs of Monarch. Karel’s wife, the former Miss Nellie Lomas was a teacher who boarded with the Urchs for some time before her marriage. Their daughter Vivienne White now owns the property.

The Halfway House is of great importance to the history of due to the role it played in trading routes, mode of travel, and way of life of that era. FOR RENT IN NOBLEFORD $850.00 per month + Utilities

Nobleford News Look to the future - Rent with option to Purchase

Advertising Prices 2-BEDROOM 4PLEX UNITS BUILT IN 2010 990sq.ft. per unit, 6 appliances

Size Prices Close to school, post office, convenience store, great new park 2x3.5 (Bus.card) $5.00 Rental Managers Pete or Debby 4x3.5 $7.50 6x3.5 $12.50 Call 403-824-3877 (home) 7x3.5 $15.00 403-892-0969 (cell) 4x7 (1/4 pg.) $15.00 6x7 (1/2 pg.) $20.00 12x7 (full pg.) $50.00

For more information Call the Village Office: 403-824-3555

Please note:

Advertising rates are for advertisements as well as announcements.

There is no charge for all Village of Nobleford Societies and Churches for up to 3/4 page

Jen’s Restaurant Nobleford

Chinese & Western Cuisine Non-Smoking Environment Fully Licensed Opening Hours Daily Lunch Buffet Monday - Friday 11:30am - 2:00pm Monday - Friday 8:30am - 9:00pm Saturday 9:30am - 9:00pm Dinner Buffet Sunday 5:00pm - 9:00pm Saturday 5:00pm - 8:30pm Holidays 9:30am - 9:00pm

Phone: 824-3887 Breakfast Menu Breakfast and take out orders Daily 8:30am - 11:00am Phone in orders will be ready on arrival 10% off pick up orders over $25.00 We also do Catering

CAT Bylaw

Thank you to all those citizens whom provide comments regarding the proposed amendment to the Cat Bylaw.

On January 17, 2012 Council directed Administration to remove the CAT TRAP content from the Bylaw and prepare an amended draft for the February 7, 2011 Council meeting.

Peter Harbers

Custom

Hauling

Specializing in grain Call me for all your grain hauling needs…..

Peter Harbers 1015609 Alberta Ltd 422 Stonecrest Terrace W, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 5S3 Phone: 403 380 2067 Cell: 403 332 3047 email: [email protected]

The address & numbers has changed but the service is still the same!

Fire Department property vandalism

Once again we have started another new calendar year, and the members of the Nobleford & District Emergency Services we would like wish all the residents of our response area a happy and prosperous new year. We don’t know what the year will bring but as always we will strive to provide the best service possible to any and all calls that come our way. We would like to thank all of you who supported us in our 2011 calendar sales. It is very much appreciated.

I wish I could end this article on a high note like it is on right now, but unfortunately what is up must come down. Like every other start to a new year much planning goes into the training that is required for this service. This month was to be training in Hose Evolutions, Self – contained breathing apparatus, victim drags and carries, smoke ventilation and interior searching and finally in week 4 a realistic scenario in our training container. On Saturday the 31 of December we were at the training site discussing the upcoming scenario. To our dismay we discovered extensive damage to the mobile home on our training site. Interior doors kicked down, windows smashed, holes kicked in the walls and exterior doors kicked off. As a department we are like kids on Christmas morning when we get something like a mobile home to use for training. It might not look like much to most of you, but to us it means a lot. Something that resembles a house and that we can fill with smoke to practise our primary and secondary searches. This is something that a lot of fire departments would love to have. We were lucky enough to have it donated to us and had hoped to use for many years. Unfortunately we are now faced with a decision to spend money on it so we can continue to use it, or do we scrap it.

Our yearly budget is only so big and for a department to operate at the level of expectation of those who require its services, it must be spent wisely. So when things like this happen we must spend money for something that should not have been necessary. There were footprints around the site on Saturday December 31, 2011. There was also a vehicle that was badly damaged and had all the windows smashed out. In the past there have also been cars stolen from the training site. These cars are donated to us and we really appreciate because free cars are hard to come by. I would just like to ask your co-operation in helping us as a department to achieve the goal that we have set for ourselves, which is providing the best service possible to everyone in our response area. You can do this by respecting the things we use for our training as this is the only way we can achieve our goal. Of course there was no identification left behind as to who is responsible. I consider this to be gross negligence of the property of others and am disappointed that we even have to deal with things like this. Therefore I would like to give the individuals a chance to redeem themselves by coming to an executive meeting to apologize for their actions.

Nobleford & District Emergency Services

Nobleford Agricultural Society Upcoming Events

1. Introducing the return of the Spring Fling

Dance the night away with the Chevelles on Saturday, April 21 from 9pm – 1am at the Nobleford Community Complex. If your society would like to be involved with this event, please contact Denise Hofman at 824-3636 by Feb. 15.

2. Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale

Saturday, May 12 from 10 – 12 at the Noble Central School. We will have plants, door prize draws and refreshments. Please join us and test your green thumb with some new plants!

3. Mother’s Day Mall

Also at the plant sale we are going to have the ALL NEW Mother’s Day Mall , where children can “shop” for their Moms. Each child (ages 4 – 12) can choose one free item for their Mom, with cards and gift wrapping included. Kids, come pick a special gift for your Mom!

Angel on my Shoulder (unknown author)

There's an angel on my shoulder, though I've never heard her sing, I know she keeps me safe each day and close beneath her wing. My angel does not play a harp or rest in clouds all day. She's much too busy guarding me, keeping me from harm's way. She rejoices in my life's success and weeps when I'm in pain. She picks me up when I have failed and helps me try again. Tonight I'll say a prayer for her, and thank the Lord above For sending me an angel to lead me with her love.

Nobleford Curling Club Submitted by Cheryl Plomp (403.824.3362)

League Curling is well underway with 6 Men's teams and 8 Ladies teams. The Men's Bonspiel was held in January and 15 teams participated! Congratulations to Event Winners: "A" Rick Robinson (Lethbridge) "B" Randy Konynenbelt "C" Ken Johnson (Butte)

The Ladies Bonspiel was also held in January and 16 teams attended! Songs were sang and Pirates searched for treasure, oh, and we curled too!!! Congratulations to Event Winners: "A" Laurie Lyckman () "B" Blythe Groenenboom "C" Denise Hofman

Thank you to all who participate, donate and volunteer for all our Bonspiels!

The School has been actively using our Curling facility for their Physical Education program...keep on coming kids, you are our future! The Graduation Class has been operating our kitchen during our Bonspiels to raise money for their ceremony. Thank you to Jeremy Lawlor for janitorial and ice maintenance duties.

Just a reminder that the Club is available for rent for any occasion. Ice: $20/hour Lounge $20/hour up to a cap of $50 contact: Crystal 824 3890

Upcoming Activities at the Club....

FEBUARY 24-26 Mixed Bonspiel (any combination) (deadline Feb. 19) Cash Payout Raffles Chinese Food Banquet $160.00/team Family Feud Call Cheryl 824 3362

MARCH 17 St. Patrick's Day Open House and Pancake Supper FREE Curling instruction and equipment provided if needed (bring clean shoes) Open Ice time for mini games Pancake supper available, Lounge open Doors open at 4:00 Pancakes served 5:00-7:00 Bring your friend, mother, son, cousin, and come play with us!! Everyone welcome Children welcome with parent supervision And wear something GREEN!

MARCH 31 LEAGUE WIND UP BANQUET Doors open at 5:30 Famous Roast Beef Supper at 6:30 League Awards presented following banquet Members please RSVP by March 28th February 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 NCCS AGM Meeting GEMS & Cadets Community Activity 7:00 p.m. Sponsored Dinner. Night. 6:30 - 8:30 NCS 5:30 - 7:30 Community complex p.m.

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Regular Council Meeting

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Valentine’s Day Community Activity Night. 6:30 - 8:30 Community complex

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Family Day Regular Council Mixed Bonspiel @ Mixed Bonspiel @ Meeting Curling Rink Curling Rink

26 27 28 29 Mixed Bonspiel @ Curling Rink

March 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 Community Activity Night. 6:30 - 8:30 Community complex

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Community Activity St. Patrick’s Day Night. 6:30 - 8:30 Open House & Community complex Pancake Supper. 4:00 p.m. Curling Rink

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 League Wind Up Banquet. Curling Rink @ 5:30 p.m.